PIC12HV615T-I/MS - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 1.75KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12HV615T-I/MS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| 10 | $0.92 | $9.20 |
| 100 | $0.81 | $81.00 |
| 500 | $0.72 | $360.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.64 | $640.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.55 | $1,375.00 |
PIC12HV615T-I/MS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small single-chip computer optimized for embedded control, where a reduced instruction set (RISC) architecture executes one instruction per clock cycle. The PIC12 family represents Microchip's smallest-footprint 8-bit line, sitting below the PIC16 and PIC18 in code density and below the dsPIC/PIC32 in performance, while consuming microamp-level active current for battery and energy-harvesting applications. The HV variant adds an internal 5 V shunt regulator, allowing the device to run from unregulated supplies such as 9 V batteries or 12 V industrial rails without a separate LDO.
Key features of the PIC12HV615 include 20 MHz maximum oscillator speed, instruction cycle time of 200 ns, internal 4 MHz/8 MHz/31 kHz oscillators, brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), and an enhanced Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator. The integrated 10-bit ADC supports up to 4 channels with conversion rates suitable for temperature, light, and potentiometer sensing, while dual comparators enable threshold detection and zero-crossing detection without external op-amps. The internal shunt regulator with zener clamp enables direct connection to higher-voltage sources, reducing BOM cost in space-constrained designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, LED lighting drivers, sensor interface modules, battery chargers, and small motor control in toys or low-power tools. The wide input voltage range and integrated HV regulator make it well suited for industrial 12 V/24 V nodes that must coexist with 3.3 V logic peripherals.
Designers should evaluate total power dissipation when running from high-voltage rails via the shunt regulator. Decoupling the HV pin with 0.1 uF plus bulk capacitance is recommended. The internal regulator is shunt-type - excess voltage is dropped as heat, so consider thermal layout in enclosed housings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including explicit comparisons with same-package PIC12F615 and PIC12HV609 variants.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12HV615T-I/MS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC12HV615T-I/MS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F615T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV615-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV615T-I/MD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV615-E/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12HV609T-I/MD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F617T-I/MS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12HV615T-I/MS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC12 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 64 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Timers | 1x 8-bit, 1x 16-bit |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz, 8 MHz, 31 kHz selectable |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (logic), HV pin 2.5 V to user-defined |
| Package | 8-MSOP (3.00 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel |
PIC12HV615T-I/MS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (regulated output of internal HV regulator or direct 2.0-5.5 V supply) |
| Pin 2 | GP5/T1CKI/P1A/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO GP5 / Timer1 clock input / PWM output / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | GP4/AN3/T1G/SDO/CLKOUT/OSC2/CLKO — GPIO GP4 / ADC input channel 3 / Timer1 gate / SPI data out / clock output / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO GP3 / Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/T0CKI/INT/COUT/CCP1 — GPIO GP2 / ADC input channel 2 / Timer0 clock input / external interrupt / comparator output / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/C1-/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK — GPIO GP1 / ADC input channel 1 / comparator 1 inverting input / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/C1+/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT — GPIO GP0 / ADC input channel 0 / comparator 1 non-inverting input / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 8 | HV (VSS for non-HV variant) — High-voltage input for internal 5 V shunt regulator; tie to VDD in low-voltage applications |
Typical Applications
PIC12HV615T-I/MS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial 12V/24V Sensor Node, Battery-Powered Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Driver with PWM Dimming, Small Motor Control (Toys, Fans, Pumps), Smart Home Wireless Sensor Endpoint, Automotive Accessory Controller (Non-Safety), Educational and Hobbyist Microcontroller Platform.
Industrial 12V/24V Sensor Node
The PIC12HV615T-I/MS is purpose-built for industrial sensor nodes powered directly from 12 V or 24 V rails, where its internal HV shunt regulator eliminates the need for an external LDO. With 6 I/O pins, a 4-channel 10-bit ADC, and dual comparators, it can directly read 0-5 V analog sensor outputs (temperature, pressure, proximity) and drive digital loads. The 20 MHz enhanced mid-range core runs PID loops or threshold detection at microsecond latency. Pair with PIC12F615T-I/MS for cost-down variants operating from regulated 5 V.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC12HV615T-I/MS serves as the main controller in consumer appliances powered by 9 V or 12 V batteries, where the internal HV regulator produces a stable 5 V core supply from the battery. The 1.75 KB Flash is sufficient for state-machine control, button debouncing, LED PWM dimming, and basic user interface handling. At 20 MHz and 2 V, active current is roughly 1.5 mA, enabling multi-year battery life in intermittent-duty applications. Its 8-MSOP footprint fits easily into compact handheld form factors.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver with PWM Dimming
The PIC12HV615T-I/MS provides direct PWM LED dimming via its enhanced CCP module, with frequencies up to 20 kHz above the audible band for flicker-free operation. The 10-bit PWM resolution and 16-bit timer enable smooth brightness control across 1024 steps. The 6 I/O pins handle LED strings, control buttons, and indicator LEDs simultaneously. The HV regulator supports direct drive from rectified mains-derived 12 VDC rails, eliminating external power conditioning. Compared to discrete 555-timer dimmers, this MCU solution adds programmability and serial command interfaces.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (Toys, Fans, Pumps)
For low-voltage DC motor control in toys, small fans, and pumps, the PIC12HV615T-I/MS delivers PWM motor drive through its CCP module plus software-implemented PID control at 20 MHz. The 6 I/O pins support H-bridge direction, brake, enable, and tachometer feedback. The HV regulator permits direct 9 V battery power typical in consumer toys, while the industrial temperature grade ensures reliable operation in enclosed housings. The 1.75 KB Flash accommodates startup ramps, soft-start, and fault detection routines.
Recommended
Smart Home Wireless Sensor Endpoint
In smart home wireless sensor endpoints (temperature, humidity, contact, motion), the PIC12HV615T-I/MS provides sensor readout, ADC conversion, and control of a low-power RF transmitter. The 64-byte SRAM and 1.75 KB Flash are sized for the small protocol stacks used in proprietary sub-GHz or simple Zigbee-like radios. The 31 kHz internal oscillator enables sleep currents under 1 uA for multi-year coin-cell operation. The 8-MSOP package fits within typical sensor puck form factors, and the integrated HV regulator simplifies power-tree design.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Controller (Non-Safety)
Although the PIC12HV615T-I/MS itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its industrial -40 C to +85 C range and rugged MSOP package suit non-safety automotive accessories such as interior lighting, USB chargers, and trim-level controllers. The HV regulator tolerates 12 V automotive battery transients with proper external filtering. For safety-critical applications such as airbag controllers or ADAS, the PIC18F family with /VAO suffix is recommended, but the PIC12HV615T-I/MS provides a cost-effective solution for accessory body electronics operating below the AEC-Q100 requirement.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Microcontroller Platform
The PIC12HV615T-I/MS is widely used in educational settings and hobbyist projects because of its 8-pin simplicity, low cost, and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler support. The internal HV regulator lets students power the part from a 9 V battery without a separate regulator, simplifying lab work. Its 20 MHz performance and 1.75 KB Flash support introductory C programming lessons covering GPIO, ADC, PWM, and timers. The MSOP package is breadboard-compatible with 8-pin DIP adapter boards, bridging educational prototyping to surface-mount production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12HV615T-I/MS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F615T-I/MS | PIC12HV615-I/P | PIC12HV615T-I/MD | PIC12HV615-E/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-MSOP (3.00 mm) | 8-MSOP - same | 8-PDIP - through-hole variant | 8-DFN - SMD variant | 8-MSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| SRAM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| HV Internal Regulator | Yes (5 V shunt) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) |
| Price @ 100 pcs | $0.81 | ~$0.78 | ~$0.85 | ~$0.83 | ~$1.05 |
Key Differentiators
- Internal 5 V HV shunt regulator eliminates external LDO (vs PIC12F615T-I/MS)
- 8-MSOP package with industrial temperature grade (vs PIC12HV615-I/P (8-PDIP))
- Same-family option with extended temperature grade (vs PIC12HV615-E/MS)
Design Notes
The PIC12HV615T-I/MS integrates a 5 V shunt regulator on the HV pin. When the input voltage exceeds 5 V, the regulator drops the excess as heat across an internal shunt element. Estimated: at 12 V input with 5 mA internal load, the shunt dissipates (12-5) V * 5 mA = 35 mW. At 24 V input, dissipation rises to 95 mW. For high-voltage industrial applications, calculate the worst-case thermal rise and ensure the MSOP package thermal pad (if used) is soldered to a copper pour to keep junction temperature within the -40 C to +85 C industrial range.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the HV pin to stabilize the internal shunt regulator. The MSOP-8 package has a thermal pad on the underside; soldering this pad to a copper pour improves thermal performance when running from high-voltage rails. Keep analog traces (ADC inputs, comparator inputs) short and away from the HV pin and switching nodes to minimize coupled noise. For ICSP programming, route ICSPCLK (GP1) and ICSPDAT (GP0) to a header with no series resistors per Microchip ICD specification.
Do not leave the HV pin floating - if not used in high-voltage mode, tie HV directly to VDD to disable the internal regulator. When using the internal HV regulator, ensure the input voltage never exceeds the absolute maximum rating, and add a series resistor to limit inrush current at power-on. Avoid driving GPIO above VDD or below VSS; the PIC12HV615 is not 5 V tolerant on I/O when operating from 3.3 V. For ADC accuracy, place a 0.1 uF bypass on the VREF node if used, and use the internal fixed voltage reference (1.024 V or 2.048 V) for ratiometric measurements to avoid noise coupling.
Estimated: at 24 V input and 10 mA total current (including I/O loads), the HV shunt regulator dissipates (24-5) V * 10 mA = 190 mW. The 8-MSOP package has theta_JA of approximately 200 C/W on a standard JEDEC test board, leading to a 38 C junction temperature rise above ambient. In enclosed housings without airflow, derate the maximum input voltage or add external heat-sinking. Use Microchip's thermal calculator in MPLAB X for application-specific analysis.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications, consider PIC18F family with /VAO suffix. MSL Level 1 per JEDEC J-STD-020. Operating temperature grade industrial (-40 C to +85 C); extended grade available as PIC12HV615-E/MS.
